X-ray apparatus



March 4, 1952 A. J. KIZAUR 2,588,124

X-RAY APPARATUS Filed May 27, 1949 9 Sheen et l March 4, 1952 Filed May27. 1949 A. J. KIZAUR X-RAY APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 4, 1952 A.J. KIZAUR I 2,588,124

X-RAY APPARATUS Filed May 27. 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet s ART/lug J. ,Q/ZA weMarch 4, 1952 A. J. KIZAUR X-RAY APPARATUS Filed May 27. 1949 '9 SheetsSheet 4 7206 14B THUR JMZAUE;

March 4, 1952 A. J. KIZAUR 2,588,124

X-RAY APPARATUS I Filed May 27. 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 142 71/02 M/ZA 1A6March 4, 1952 A. J. KIZAUR 2,588,124

X-RAY APPARATUS Filed May 27. 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 March 4, 1952 A. J.KlZAUR 2,588,124

X-RAY APPARATUS Filed May 27. 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 &l'llllllllllllillllllllll III VII/A I 2720672 07:: 4377/1116 J. Z/z/u/eL ylwgcamz w W X-RAY APPARATUS Filed May 27. 1949 '9 Sheets-Sheet 8fiaekz 072 filer/rue J M21402 March 4, 1952 A. J. KIZAUR 2,588,124

X-RAY APPARATUS Filed May 27. 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 a subject underexamination.

Patented Mar. 4, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE X-rRAYrAPPARATU SArthur J..'Kizaur,Wauwatosa, Wis., assignor to General Electriccompanyya corporation of New York Application May 27, 1949, .Serial N 0.9,5,7 52

16 Claims.

tography of a subject to. be pictured on suitable X- ray sensitivematerial, whilefluoroscopyis the establishment and observation of X-rayshadow pictures, on a suitable X-ray sensitive screen, of It isdesirable, especially in radiography.and,fiuoroscopy of humansubjects,to be: able to examine thesubject .in a variety, of body positions,including the horizontal, vertical and various intermediate inclinedpositions. It is also desirable, in many cases urgently so, toexaminezand picture the subject rapidly in several difierent body:positions, and hence to move the subject to such positionswith maximumspeed and minimum disturbance, to adjust and operate-theradiographic'and fluoroscopic equipment speedily in all'of suchdifferent positions.

An important object of the present invention,

therefore, is to provide'apparatus of the character mentioned, includingreadily adjustable means for supporting a subject in anyone-of aplurality of positions,iandioperable to shift: rapidly from'any onetoany other position, smoothly and substantially without disturbing thesubject, in combination with auxiliary equipment for radiography andfluoroscopy arranged'to'be-rapidly adjusted for operation in: alladjustable positions of the subjectbeing pictured.

Another important object islto'tprovide foitzthe X-ray examination andphotography".ofisubjects by means ofan X-rayfsource disposed:atasubstantial distance, from the subject;.aanother:.object being to"provide readily adjustable means for mounting theX-r'ay source eitheratila substantial distance from, or immediately adjacent,

the subject; a still further object being to provide'i'or mounting thesource for theprojection of 'X-rays horizontally wheninthe' remotely'disposed ieosition, and vertioallyiin' a downward di- 1'ection,'when'inposition close to the subject.

Another object is'to provide improved support means for an X-ray source,whereby 'the'source be rapidly disposed in'position fort'eleradiographic or far 'X-ray" purposes, at a substantial distancefrom. a" subject, supported for examination, as-on :a' table, and asrapidly returned to po'sitionadjacent the patient :for relatively nearX-ray' purposes; a further. object. being to provide a'horizontallyadjustablesupport track of novel construction and attached onthe supporttable so that the X-ray, source willibear a definite relationship to thetable, and henceito a patient supported thereon for examination, and mayalso be rapidly and easily .adjustedon said support for either near orfar X-ray purposes.

Anotherobject is to form the horizontallyextensible support track, as arelatively. low..structure offeringminimum obstruction againstaccess tothe table atthe side thereof .where the .track is mounted; .afurtherobject being tojformlthe extensible structure as 'a "flat, 10wplatform adaptedflto .be walked upon. and .on which theoperatingtechnician at will may .stand. close to the table, tofaoilitateobservation of vthepatient or operation of the apparatus.

.Another important objectis toprovide novel means for securing .the.parts in. adjustedposition and. for, releasing the samefor adjustment;."a further object-being to provide anchoring means for the severaladjustable parts of the apparatus andmanualcontrol means constructed and,,ar-

ranged to allow foroperation. thereof ata com- .mon conveniently locatedcontrol station. 7

Another important object islto provide. animproved manual controlforapluralityrof. anchor,-

ing devices wherein .a single handlemay .be .employed to controltheseveralanchoring .idevices individually.

Another object is to provide an improved manual control fora pluralityof operable devices embodying telescopically arranged driveshafts havingadjacently disposed operating handles for selective one-handed operationat a convenient control station.

Another object is to provide mechanism comprising telescopicallyarranged shaft devices having operating'handlesfor controlling aplurality of-separate operable. devices from a common convenientlylocated control, station, wherein --the control handles ,maybe locatedat will intany selected one of a plurality ,of possible handle locationsto. suit the convenience of the'operator in the various adjustedpositions of the apparatus.

The foregoing and numerous:other important objects, advantages, andinherentfunctions, of

the invention will become apparent-as'the same ismore fullyunderstoodfrom the following-description, which, taken in connectionwithttheaccompanying :.drawings, discloses a: preferred i embodiment, of: the.invention.

, Referring to the drawings: Fig. 1 is a; perspective view ofapparatuseem- 'bodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is;afrontiview of the same-with covers removed torevealrstructural details; Fig: 3 is; an :end' viewrof the; apparatusshow in Fig 2,; asaseen i from the left;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the apparatus;

Figs. 5 and 6 are sectional views, respectively taken substantiallyalong the lines 5-5 and 6-6 in Fig. 4;

Figs. 7 and 8 are sectional views, respectively taken substantiallyalong the lines 'l--! and 8-8 in Fig. 6;

Figs. 9 and 12 are sectional views, respectively taken substantiallyalong the lines 9-9 and |2|2 in Fig. 2;

Figs. 10, 11, and 13 are sectional views, respectively takensubstantially along the lines I0-I8,

l|-I l, and |3I3 in Figs. 9, 10, and 12; and

Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line l4-l4 inFig. 12.

To illustrate the invention, the drawings show X-ray apparatus,including a support 2| for a subject to be examined, means to supportX-ray sensitive material as well as fluorescent screen means, adjacentthe examination subject, and one or more X-ray sources, including anX-ray source 54 suitably supported in position to emit rays and directthe same upon the subject to be examined, means including a transformerand suitable cables for energizing the source 54, and a suitable controlpanel I9 carrying devices and mechanisms for the operation of the X-rayapparatus.

The support 2| may conveniently comprise a tilting structure forming atable 22 and support means 23 on which the table is carried for tiltingmovement. As shown, the table may comprise transverse end members 24 andlongitudinal side members 25 and 26 of preferably hollow, box-like sheetmetal construction, to provide adequate rigidity in a relativelylight-weight structure,

said members being secured together, as by welding the same, to form apreferably rectangular frame 21. A table top panel 28 may be secured tothe frame, as by suitable mounting brackets 29 preferably disposed atthe opposite ends of the top panel and frame to provide a clear space oropening 38, behind the panel and between it and its supporting frame 29,

The support means preferably comprises hollow, yet rigid, sheet metalconstruction in the interests of adequate strength and minimum weight,said structure providing a relatively thin panel-like upright portion 3|at a side of the table, intermediate its ends, and a transverse leg 32secured on and extending from the upright portion, beneath andtransversely of the table. The panel-like upright 3| may be formed witha cut-out portion 33 to provide space for the accommodation of the toesof an operator standing next to the table, said cut-out portion defininga ground engaging foot 34 at one end of the upright. An adjustable foot35, for leveling purposes in a longitudinal direction, may be providedon the upright 3! at the end of the cutout portion 33 remote from thefoot 34. Transverse leveling of the table may be accomplished, ashereinafter described, by means ofadjustable feet similar to the foot35, and mounted at the end of the transverse leg 32 remote from theupright 31.

The table frame 21 is mounted on the upright for tilting movement in anysuitable or preferred 7 lines at 21"; and means is preferably providedfor locking the table in any desired tilted position intermediate thepositions shown at 21, 21, and 21".

The table mounting is also preferably arranged so that the table frameis supported on one side only, so that the opposite side may be entirelyfree and unobstructed, the table frame supporting longitudinally movablecarriages 38 and 31 on suitable roller trackways on the frame. Thesecarriages are adjustably shiftable longitudinally of the table frame,and may be secured in any adjusted position between the opposite ends ofthe frame. The carriage 36 is mounted for movement immediately beneaththe table top panel 28, opposite the opening 38, and provides for thereception of X-ray film cassette means which may be loaded into andremoved from the carriage 36 through the opening 30. The carriage 33 mayalso contain a Bucky diaphragm and conventional diaphragm shiftingmechanism, so that X-ray pictures may be made on film in a cassette inthe carriage 36 by exposing the film to X-rays emanating from a sourcelocated above or in front of the panel 28, through an object or patient,to be pictured, disposed upon or in front of the upper surface of thepanel 28. Power for the operation and control of the Bucky diaphragmapparatus may, of course, be supplied through the transformer means 20.

The carriage 31, which is longitudinally shiftable on the frame 27,beneath the carriage 36, may likewise be adjustably shifted and securedin any desired position of adjustment between the opposite ends of thetable frame. This carriage may provide a mounting for a suitable sourceof X-rays disposed to direct rays through the panel 28 from the back orunderside thereof. The carriage 31, to this end, may support anauxiliary frame 38 on which said X-ray source may be mounted, the frame38 being shiftable on the "carriage 31 in a direction transversely ofthe table. The frame 38 may extend beneath and outwardly of the free orunsupported side of the table frame and may carry, outwardly of saidside, an upright support structure 39. The struc ture 39 extends inposition and is formed to'support a carrier frame 40 above the table toppanel 28, said frame being movable on the support structure 39 in adirection toward and away from the table top, and being anchorable inany desired adjusted position. The frame 43 is adapted to supportauxiliary equipment 4! above or in front of the panel 28 and in anydesired spaced relation therewith.

This auxiliary equipment 4|, being supported on the frames 38 and 48,may not only be ad- .justed toward and away from the table panel 28,

but also may be adjusted laterally and longitudinally of the table,together with the X-ray source, on the frame 38. The apparatus maybedisposed at either end of the table, when not in use, in order to leaveunobstructed the remaining area above or in front of the table panel 28.The auxiliary equipment 4! may comprise a fluorescent screen adapted tobe disposed above or in front of a patient on the panel 28, so thatshadow pictures of the patient may be established on the screen byenergizing the X-ray source on the frame 38 behind or below the tabletop, the cassette carriage 35 during such operation, of course, beingdisposed outwardly of the path of X-rays emanating from such source. Theequipment 4| also may include film cassette means, and operatingapparatus powered through the transformer means 20, so that a exam-r24subject-on the table panel 28 may be radio' graphed utilizing the 'X-rby source on the frame 38.

' By supporting the table frame 21on oneiside thereof only, the otherside is-left free and unobstructed so that the upright 39 maybe shiftedlongitudinally to any desired adjusted "position. The apparatus "4| alsomay be adjusted transversely of the table because the frame 38 istransversely shiftable in the carriage 31.

In order thus to tiltably support-the table frame on one side thereofonly, While providing adequate table rigidity for the support ofpatients of normal or excessive weight, the box-like frame structurepreviously described affords'adequate-table rigidity in arelativelylight-weight structure, said hollow frame structure further allowingforthe housing therein of carriage shifting and counterbalancing means.

The table frame 21' is tiltably mounted on the upright 3| by means of asingle, preferably tubular, link 43 which may comprise apreferably steeltube fitted, at its opposite ends, with bearings M and Q5. The bearing,at one end of the tube, 'is pivotally mounted in a suitable journal 46at the top of the upright-3|. The bearing 45 is pivotally mounted injournal means formed in the longitudinal table frame member 26. Adjacentthe journal 46 the upright 3| provides a shoulder 48 in position toengage a foot member 49 on the tubular link 43, so that'the link ma i besupported normally on the upright 3| in substantially horizontalposition, the table frame -being supported on the link at the bearingand journal means 45, 41, and normally'resti'n'g on a hearing plate onthe link above the journal'and bearing means 44, 46. The table frame maythus be normally supported in horizontal position.

Table tilting means, preferably in the form'o'f an extensible hydrauliccylinder '50 and cooperating piston 5|, may be provided. As shown, thecylinder 50 may be tiltably mounted, as at 52,:on

the upright 3|, and the piston 5| may be piv-- the pivot means 45 and 41to the inclined'p'osh tion shown at 21", or to any intermediate posi-'tion. By operating the tilting mechanismin the opposite direction, thetable and link 43 may be on-the frame in ho'ri'zontal or-any relativelytilted position. The carriage d-n'likewise' is preferablycounterbalanced on its supporting upright to' facilitateadjustmentthereof in anytilted-table'pm sition. The apparatus'th'us maybeemploy'ed 'for fluorosc'opy or radiography in any 'relativelytilted orhorizontal table position, utilizing the -X- r'a'y source on the frame'38 beneath 'orbehindthe table, in combination with the fluoroscopicscreen meansor iilm cassette supporting means 'com-' prising. theauxiliary equipment I l.

'Where such equipment 4| comprises combined cassette and fluoroscopicscreen means, it will be apparent that-considerable facility isafforded, in that the operator of the apparatus may -ob-' serve apicture of the patient on'the fluoroscopic screen and,'if wishing tomake a permanent picture of' the patient, may rapidly adjust thecassette'means and picture whathas' 'just been observed on thefluorescent screen. Furthermore, since the table may be rapidly andalmost instantly tilted in either direction, without dis turbing thepatient or requiring alteration of patient position on the table,fluoroscopic examination 'and radiography of the patient is greatlyfacilitated.

In addition, to the foregoing advantages, the cassette carriage 36 alsoaffords facilities for making large size radiographs'bf a patient on thetable, in conjunctionwith.a suitable source of X-rays' 54disposableabove or in front'of the panel 28; and the presentinventionparticularly contemplates the provision 'of mechanism 55 whereby such"source of X-rays 5'4 may be disposed above the panel '28 in position todirect rays "vertically downw'ardly"upon the table-when the same-isinhorizontal position, or may direct the rays at any desired inclinationupon" the table, eitherwhen the-same is horizontal or at anyinclination; 'suchmechanism 55 further providing for the disposition ofthe source 54 at a substantial distance from the table structure,

. for 'tele-radiographic purposes, especially when tilted in theopposite direction 'on the bearing means 44, 46, to the verticalposition shown at 21', 'or to any intermediate position.

Manually operable or other suitable tilting means may, of course, beemployed in place of the hydraulic means shown. Hydraulically opera-tedtilting means 50, 5|, however, is preferred and" may be actuated by asuitable fluid medium placed leg 32 of the table support, and the motormaybe powered throughthe transformer means 26.

The carriage means 36 and 31 are preferably -counterbalanced,"as-by'm'eans of 'weight's "operas". tively connected therewith and movablewithin, the hollow members of the frame. 2?, and 'hy' drau'lic'or othersuitable means, which if desired may be disposed within the hollow framememhers, may be provided for adjustably shifting'thecarriageslongitudinally on the frame, so "thatth'e same may be thusreadily shifted and adjusted the table is in the vertical position asindicated at 21'.

To this end, an -extensibletr'ackway structure 58' is secured to thetable support frame, said structure 55, as shown. comprising "apreferably hollow, elongated sheet metal box "5'! extending along andbeneath the unsupported side "of thetable frame and provided; mediallyof' 's'ai'd' :box, with an upstanding mounting" flange 58, where-- bysaid box may be bolted "or otherwise secured to the transverse'le'g 32'of the table supporting frame structure, 'as at the end of said' leg 3!remote from t-he-upst'anding panel portion 3| of said frame. The boxmember-5! thus forms a 'rigidlyoonne'cted'part of the table supportingframe; 'and 'sai'd' 'box structure, at'int'ervals, may beprovide'd' withadjustable fo'otmembers 5'9, 's'imilarto *the adjustable rooms,fordev'eling purposes.

7 It will be seen f romth'e foregoing that the' b'ox member 51'will-extend longitudinally in parallelisrh'wit'h r'espect'to the tableand in the'direc-- tion of tilting movement thereof. The box-like member51, although of preferably hollow, lig ht-"- weight construction,rovides a rigid "support-for an 'extension track member so, whichlikewise may be formed of 'elonga'ted sheet metal" pieces toprovidearigid, preferably hollow 'beam'having lateral downwardly bent flanges 6|along the opposed longitudinal side edges of the beam. Channel members622, forming inner "facing tracks-,and ohannel members -63," forn'iingout-- wardly facing tracks. may be secured on and along the oppositefaces of the downwardly turned flanges 61, said channel members 62 and63 being preferably integrated with and attached to the beam 60, as bywelding.

The box member 51, at intervals therein, is provided with mountingbrackets 64 carrying outwardly extending rollers 65 in position toextend within the track forming channel members 62, whereby the beam 60is freely shiftable on and with respect to the box member 51 in adirection longitudinally thereof. Thebeam 60 thus may be adjusted inposition above the box member, in centrally alined position with respectto the table support frame, with the opposite ends of the beam insubstantial alinement with the opposite ends of the box member. The beam60, however, is preferably slightly longer than the box member 51, sothat one end of the beam may project beyond the corresponding end of thebox member when the parts are in relatively contracted or centeredrelationship, such projecting end of the beam beingprovided withadjustable feet 66. It will be seen that the beam 60 may be extended onthe box member 51 in the direction of said overhanging end of the beam,said direction being the direction in which the table is tiltable to thevertical position 21. When in such extended position, the adjustablefeet 65 may be operated to accurately level the beam, and to anchor iton the floor in both extended and contracted position.

The box and beam are preferably of relatively flat, low-configuration sothat the same will not obstruct free access to the side of the tablealong which the track structure extends. The top of the box, between theroller brackets 64, and the entire top of the beam may be finished, aswith rubber matting or other suitable covering, to constitute the sameas non-slip platform surfaces adapted to be stepped upon and on whichthe operating technician may stand while examining a subject on thetable, or in moving about in adjusting and operating the equipment.

A pedestal structure 61 for supporting the X- ray source 54 is mountedon the beam 60, preferably for adjustment longitudinally thereof, sothat said pedestal and the ray source thereon, when the beam is incontracted or centered position on the box-like support member 51, maybe adjustably disposed in any desired position of adjustment within thelength-of the table; and by extending the beam 50 and securing it inextended position, the pedestal 61 and ray source thereon may bedisposed at any desired distance from the table, within the limit of theextended length of the beam.

- -Means is preferably provided for mounting the light source forturning movement on the pedestal about a horizontal axis so that raysfrom the source 54 may be directed in any desired angular relationship.The ray source supporting mechanism also preferably includes means foradjusting the ray source vertically on the pedestal, and may alsoprovide for angular movement of the ray source about a vertical axis,preferably the axis of the pedestal 61 itself. This facility allows theray-source, when not in use, or when the appar'atus is being adjustedbetween extended and:

contracted position, to be moved or swung out of alinement with thelongitudinal zone of the table.

To these ends, the pedestal 61 may comprise an upright, preferablytubular, sheet metal structom 68 having a top plate 69. and mounted atits lower end on a preferably circular mounting plate 10. This mountingplate 10, in turn, may be supported turnably on a carriage member 1|, asby means of roller bearing wheels 13 mounted on the carriage in spacedrelation and positioned to guidingly and supportingly receive the edgesof the circular mounting plate 10. The pedestal 51 is thus supported forturning movement on the carriage 1| preferably about the axis of a.vertical sleeve bearing 12, formed on the carriage for a purposehereinafter more fully described. Suitable means 14 may be provided forlatching the structure against, and at will releasing the same for,turning movement.

To this end, the carriage 11 may be provided with a circular rib or bead15, beneath the plate 10 and centered on the turning axis of thepedestal. This rib 15 may be provided with a plurality of upwardlyfacing sockets 16 spaced circumferentially on the rim in position toreceive a latch pin 11. The latch pin may conveniently be mounted inposition extending through an opening 18 in the plate 10 and an opening19 in a frame member mounted on and above the plate. Spring means may beprovided to normally urge the pin in a direction to latchingly engage inthe latching sockets 1B, the pin having a circumferential shoulder 8| inposition to be engaged by a latch releasing cam or finger 82, adapted tomove the pin 11 against the influence of the spring 80 to retract thepin from the latching socket, and thus release the pedestal structurefor turning movement on the carriage 1|.

The carriage 1|, at its opposite side edges, may be formed withdependent flanges 83 and 84 adapted to overlie the outwardly facingtrack forming channels 53 on the beam 60, the flanges 83 and 84 beingprovided with mountin rollers 85 in position to engage in the said trackmembers 63. The flange 84, beneath the rollers 85, may be provided withadditional rollers 86, and the box-like member 51, opposite said rollers86, may likewise be provided with similar rollers 85' at intervals alongthe side thereof and preferably beneath the rollers 65. These rollers 86and 86' are preferably grooved to receive the spaced flanges of achannel member 81, which is secured along and integrated with the beam60 beneath the track forming members 62 and B3 on one side of the beam,as clearly shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings. The purpose of the trackforming channel 81 and the rollers 86 and 86' is to anchor the beamagainst transverse movement with re spect to the box member 51 and toanchor the carriage 1| against transverse movement with respect to thebeam.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the carriage and the pedestal 61are freely movable along thebeam 60 by virtue of the rollers 85 andcooperating track channels 63. In order to anchor the carriage in anydesired adjusted position on the beam 60, a friction member, comprisinga plate 88, is provided on the carriage 1| in order to frictionallyengage the upper surface of the beam 60 beneath that portion of thecarriage 1| whichoverlies it. The friction plate 88 is carried on a stem89 axially movable in the bearing 12, spring means 90 being provided fornormally urging the stem on-the carriage 1| in a direction to press thefriction plate 88 upon the beam 50. The pin 89 extends upwardly of theplate 10 and is connected with a releasing arm or lever 9 I, pivoted asat 92 on a bracket 93, which, in turn, is mounted on the plate 10. Thearm 9| and bracket 93 may conveniently be disposed within from the beamagainst the influence of thespring 90.- To this end, the releasing meansmay come prise a shaft 94 journalled in suitable bearings on the plate10. This shaft may carry a releasing cam 95 in position extendingbeneath aroller 99, on the release lever 9| at the end thereof remotefrom the pivot 92, saidcam 95. preferably providing a radial shoulderforming the finger 82. When turned in a clockwise direction, viewingFig. 6 of the drawings, the finger 82 may engage beneath the shoulder 8|on the pin 11' and retract the same to release the plate 19 forturningmovement on the frame 1I about the axis of the bear ing 1-2. When turnedin a counter-clockwise direction, viewing Fig. 6, the cam 95 may serveto lift the lever 9I, thereby raising the stem, 99 and releasing thefriction pad 88. Manually Operable means, hereinafter more fullydescribed rnay be provided in convenient position, as on the pedestel61, foroperating the shaft 94 in either direction from' a neutralposition in the performance of-its latch releasing functions.

As shown, the pedestal 91 may conveniently comprise a box-like sheetmetal structure 68 formed to provide inwardly facing track formingchannels 91, extending vertically along the opposite sides of themember, at the front thereof. a vertical toothed rack 98 being secured,as by means of an anchor bracket 99, at one side of the pedestal, asbehind one of the track forming channels 91. The pedestal supports avertically movable carriage structure I00, preferably comprising achannel member IOI and fitted with roller means I02, at the oppositesides thereof,

in position to engage in the vertical tracks 91.

counterweight I04 disposed within the hollow upmember I9I; and thestructure may be provided with a safetylockto anchor the carriageon-t-he pedestal'in theeventof breakage of the cord I 05. To this end,the shaft I01 may carry a block I90 tiltably mounted thereon between thespaced flanges of the member IN. This block I08 may provide an anchoragefor the carriage connected end of the cord- I-95. The block I09 ismounted in an opening IIO formed in the back of the member I9Iinposition to facethe front surface of the box" member 68' immediatelybehind the 10 carriage member IOI; The block I08 has a clamping camsurface. I09 such that when the counterweight is attached on the blockI98; the clamping surface of the block may not lockingly engage theforward face of the box member 981 In the event that the cord I shouldbreak, or the counterweight I04 otherwise become disconnected from thecarriage I09, a relatively powerful tension spring IIi, connectedbetween the block I99 and a remote anchorage on the mem: ber IOI, willrotate the block in a direction to wedgingly jam the cam surface I09against the upright and. thereby secure the carriage I00 againstunrestricted downward movement on the pedestal.

The carriage I09 is preferably reinforced and rigidified, as by means ofan inner channel member II2, secured at its upper end, preferablyrockingly, between the spaced flanges of the channel member I9 i. '0this end, a pintle member II3, forming a bushing IE4 at one end, ismounted between and integrated with the spaced flanges of the channelmember H2, as by weldeing. Within the said bushing portion H4, andextending outwardly thereof on each side of the member H2, is mounted astem H5 adapted for pivotal mounting in suitable bearing openings formedin the opposite flanges of the member I 9!, said pin H5 being preferablyintegrated with the flanges of the member i I2, as by welding. The lowerend of the member II2 also is supported adjustably on the frame memberI0Ig, preferably as by means of a threaded stud H9 fastened on themember IM and adjustable clamping nuts I I1, by means of which themember II2 may be secured on the frame and angularly adjusted about theaxis of the stem H5 by means of the nuts H1. The pintle member II3 thusmay be supported on the carriage I00 with its axis accurately adjustedin horizontal pospaced relationship at one end by means of a preferablyhollow, box-like structure H9, .pro- .viding a central bearing I29adapted for turnable movement on the pintle M3, the opposite .ends ofthe members H8 being rigidly interconnected by a cross member I21.Adjacent the bearing I20 the pintle II? has a preferably circular plateor disk I22 fixed thereon and extending outwardly of the pintle withinthe box-like structure H9. Within the box-like structure 9 is mounted,ason a pivot pin I23, a brakemember I24 adapted to frictionally engage asurface of the plate I22. This brake member I25 may be opera-ted bymeans of a threadedstem I25 connected with the-plate and extendingthence toand outwardly of the cross member I 2I- of the frame "It,v heout ar ly p o ec n nd o th stem I25 being provided with an operatinghandle I29. 'By operating the handle I29, the brake I24 :may be-releasedto-permit the frame I03 to be .rotated onthe spindle H3, or to securetheframe I93 in any desired relative angular DQ-Sition on the-spindle.

On the frame I03, and: adjustable thereon longitudinally of thememberslI8,is a mounting the block I43.

will be normally latched against relative turning;

11 frame I21 slidable in suitable trackways formed in the members H8.Suitable means controlled as by an operating handle I26 may be providedto adjust and secure the mounting frame I21 in ans selected positionlengthwise of the members II8. This mounting frame I21 is preferablyformed with a circular seat I28 in which a carrying frame I29 isturnably mounted. This carrying frame I29 supports a preferablyshockproof casing I30 of any suitable or conventional form, within whichan X-ray tube forming the ray source 54 is mounted. Clamp means,preferably controlled by a manually operable handle I3I, may be providedon the frame I21 to secure the carrying frame I29 and the X-ray sourcethereon in any position of relative angular ad .justment on the frameI21.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the light source may besupported on the pedestal 61 at any desired elevation thereon; may bemounted at any desired position spaced from the pedestal on the frameI03; may be disposed at any desired angular inclination in a plane atright angles with respect to the frame I03, by tiltingly adjusting thesame on the spindle II3; may be adjusted to any desired angularity in aplane longitudinally of the frame I03 by adjustment of the carryingframe I29 on the mounting frame I21; may be swung about the verticalaxis of the pedestal; and may be moved to any desired positionlongitudinally of the tilting table by adjustment of the carriage II onthe beam .60 and by adjustment of the beam 60 on the boxlike portion 51of the table support structure, suitable latching mechanism beingprovided for .securing the several parts in selected positions ofadjustment.

In order to releasably secure the vertically shiftable carriage I inadjusted position on the pedestal 61, and to operate the latch releasingshaft 94, all from a conveniently located control,

.a housing, comprising a sleeve-like member I32 having an enlarged baseI33, is fastened, as by means of the bolts I34, on the carriage memberIOI in position extending outwardly of a side .thereof. This housingcontains a sleeve member I35 turnably mounted therein and having an endI36 extending outwardly of the end of the sleeve I32 remote from itscarriage mounted end.

The inner end of the sleeve I35 carries a disktate assembly of thesleeve I35 into the sleeve I32, a helical spring I40 may be assembledaround the sleeve I35 in position engaging between a shoulder I4I on thesleeve and the ring I38 to maintain the ring, during assembly, inposition snugly against the disk I31 to receive the fastening screwsI39.

The inner end of the sleeve I32 'is preferably welded, as at I42, on alatch block I43 which, as.

tion to receive spring pressed latch pins I45,; contained in cavitiesformed in the block I43, the cavities and pins being preferably equallyspaced apart circularly in the disk I31 and in As a consequencathesleeve I35 movement within the sleeve I32 and with respect -for freeturning movement.

to the block I43, by the latch pins I45; but may be turned readily to,and latched in, any desired relative angular position as determined bythe spacement and arrangement of the latch pins I45 and latchingcavities I44.

The outer end of the sleeve I35 may be formed with a seat containing aroller bearing I46 serving to turnably support a tubular member I41within the sleeve I35, the outer end of said tubular member beingsupported by the bearing I46 and projecting outwardly thereof to receivea bevel gear I48 and support the same within a gear housing cavity I49formed within'the outer end I36 of the sleeve member. The inner end ofthe tubular member I41 may be turnably sup- .ported in a sleeve bearingI50 mounted in a central channel of the latch block I43, the inner end.of the sleeve member I41 extending within the housing I33 and carryinga clamping nut I5I threaded upon the inner end of the member I41. Thisclamping nut has a radially extending pin I52 which extends in a slotI53 formed in the walls of the housing I33. Behind the clamping nut I5I,and between it and the facing surface of the latching block I43, a spurgear I54 is mounted for free turning movement on the sleeve member I41,in position for geared engagement with the rack 98 on the pedestal. Byturning the member I41 by means of the gear I48 in one direction, thenut I5I, held against rotation by the pin I52, may be advanced on thethreaded ,end of the member I41 in a direction to clamp the gear I54between the nut I5I and an inturned annular flange I33 on the housingI33, in posi tion overlying the inner face of the block I43,

to thereby lock the gear against rotation, and .thus anchor the carriageI00 against vertical movement on the pedestal, by virtue of theengagement of the gear I54 with the rack 98. By turning the member I41in the opposite direction,

the nut I5I may be retracted in a direction to release the gear I54 forfree turning movement to permit vertical movement of the carriage I00 onthe pedestal. When so released, the carriage, being counterbalanced bythe weight I04, may be fmanually pushed to a desired elevation on the-may be fitted with a bracket I55 carrying a vertical bushing I56, inwhich is journalled a bevel gear I51 in position to drivingly connectwith a cooperating bevel gear I58 fixed on a shaft I59 extendin thencethrough openings in the flanges of the carriage frame members IOI andH2,

through the sleeve member I41 and the driving gear I48, in which theshaft I59 is journalled The end of the shaft I59 remote from the bevelgear I58 projects outwardly of the driving gear I48 in the chamber I49and carries a preferably bevel driving gear I60 exposed within thechamber I49. The gear I51 has sliding splined relationship with avertical shaft I6I of preferably square sectional configurationthroughout its medial portions. This shaft extends slidingly within acorrespondingly shaped opening through the gear I51 and is journalledfor turning movement in suitable bearings formed, as at I62 and I63,.re-

, spectively on the plate 69 at the top and on the plate 10 at thebottom of the pedestal.

the connected shaft I59 in one direction or'tlie other, the shaft I6Imay likewise be'turned in one direction or the other in order tocorrespondingly turn the shaft 94 and thus release the latching pin 11and friction plate 88, the square form of the shaft -I-6I and-itssplined relationship with the gear I51 allowing free vertica'l movementof the carriage I80 and apparatus mounted thereon without affectingtheshaft or the latched condition of the pin 11 and friction plate '88.

In order to provide for operation of the gears I48 and I60 from aconvenientlocation, the outer end I36 of the sleeve I35 is fitted with aradially extending, preferably tapered, sleeve-like handle I65, securedon the sleeve I35 in position opening into the chamber I49. This handle,at its inner end within the chamber I49, journals a bevel gear I66 inposition making driving engagement with the gear I48. This gear I66 isdrivingly'connected with-a tube I61, which extends through thesleeve-like handle I65 and projects at the outer end thereof where saidsleeve IN is fitted with a manually operable handle or wheel I68, bymeans of which the tube and connected gear I66 may be turned. Within thegear I66 and sleeve I 61 is journalled a shaft I69 fitted with a bevelgear I10 extending in the chamber I49, in position to drivingly en-.gage with the'gear I68, the shaft I69 extending through the tube I61and projecting at the outer end thereof, said projecting end of theshaft I 69'being fitted with a manually operable handle III adjacent thehandle I68 and outwardly thereof.

These'handles I68 and I II are preferably circular, the handle I68 beingof somewhat larger diameter than the handle-I'II' to facilitatemanipulation thereof. These handles are preferably disposed adjacent andbeneath the outer end of the frame I03 for convenient manipulation,although, since the sleeve I35 on which the arm I65 is mounted is freelyturnable in the mounting sleeve I32, said handle I68 may be turned to'any desired angular position about the axis of the sleeve I35 andlatched in such angular position by operation of the latching pins I45.This adjustment of the arm I65 may be accomplished without moving eitherof the ears I48 and I68, since the gears I66 and 'IIfl'and the Iconnected handles I68 and I'll may turn-freely 1 in the sleeve I65during such angular adjustment thereof without causing the gears I48 andI 'to turn. Accordingly, adjustment of the projecting handle I to anydesired convenient position circularly about the axis of the sleeve andin the ring I38, which is secured to the housing assembly I32, 33, I43,on the carriage. When the carriage I83 isron the pedestal at or belowthe eye level of the operator, the arm I65 may be adjusted inpositionparallel to the frame I83 to present the operating handles I68and III in position adjacentthe outer end of the frame near the handlemeans I28,. I26. Whereby allof thecontrol handles, including the handleI3I, are in convenient adjacent position to 14 control all of theadjustments of the "X-ray source supporting structure; When the frameI63 is at an elevation on the pedestal in whi'ch the handles I68 and IIIare outof convenient reach, if the arm I65 is in horizontal position,the arm I68 may be rotated downwardly to any desired position, includingthe vertical, to present the handles I 68 and HI at a convenientelevation for manipulation.

Theouter open end of the cavity I49, of course, may be closed by meansof a suitable cover.

It is thought that the invention and its'numerous attendant advantageswill be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it isobvious that numerous changes may be made in the form, construction andarrangement of the several parts without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention, or sacrificing any of its attendant advantages,the form herein disclosed being a preferred embodiment'for the purposeofillustrating the invention; no claim being herein made to the structureof thetilting table, per se, nor the combination therewith of the frames31, 38, and 39, nor to the apparatus mountedon-said frames, since thesame form the subjectmatter of co-pending applications for United StatesLetters Patent, as follows: Applications Serial Nos. 4,446, now PatentNo. 2,568,236, and 85,850, :filecl respectively on January "26, I948,and April 6, 1949, on inventions of Arthur J. Kizaur'in TableConstruction, and an application Serial No. 104,903, filed July 15,1949, on an invention of Arthur J. Kizaur relating to X-ray protectivscreen meansr now Patent'No. 2,567,566.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame, a table including atoppanel mounted-on said frame, means for supporting sheet materialsensitive to X-rays on said table behind said panel, a track, on said"frame and extendingat one sideof said table, said track forming afooting for said frame, an upright'support pedestalon said track andadjustable longitudinally thereof, a carriage vertically adjustableon-said pedestal,

means for mounting an X-raysource on said carriage in position to directrays toward said table, counterbalance means for counterbalancing saidcarriage on said pedestal, and. normally inoperative safety clamp meansoperable to hold said carriageagainst-movementon said pedestal in theevent of disconnection therefrom-of said counterbalancing means.

2. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, meansfor supporting sheet material sensitive to X-rays on saidtable behind said panel, means forming a pedestal mount-on said frame atone side of said table, an uprightsupport pedestal on said mount andextending upwardlyof said table, a carriage vertically adjustable onsaid-pedestal,means for mounting an X-ray source on said carriage inposition to direct rays toward said table, counterbalance means forcounterbalancing said carriage on said pedestal, and safety means-forlocking said carriage against movement on said pedestal in the event ofdisconnection therefrom of said counterbalancing means, comprising abrake element rockable on a pivot axis on saidcarriage in position tobrakingly engage said pedestal, bias means normally urging said brakingelement in'a direction on its pivotaxis, toward engagementwith saidpedestal, and means to connect the counterbalance means on said brakeelement to hold it out of engagement with the pedestal againsttheinfluence of said bias means.

operating roller and track means on said carriage and pedestal formaintaining the carriage against transverse movement with respect to thepedestal, a support frame carrying a projecting spindle on saidcarriage, said support frame being adjustably tiltable on the carriageto adjust the angularity of the spindle with respect to the pedestal, amounting frame for an X-ray source turnably supported on said spindle,and means to secure said mounting frame in angularly adjusted positionon said spindle.

4. X -ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, means for supporting sheet material sensitive to X-rays on saidtable behind said panel, means forming a track, on said frame, at oneside of said table, a

pedestal carriage riding upon and adjustable on the frame longitudinallyof the table, an upright support pedestal on said pedestal carriage andadjustably turnable thereon about a vertical axis,

means to mount an X-ray source on said pedestal,

anchor means for securing the pedestal carriage in adjusted position onthe track, latch means for securing the pedestal in adjustably turnedposition on the carriage, said anchor and latch means each comprising ashiftable fastening member normally urged to fastening position, andmanually operable means comprising an actuating cam tumable in oppositedirections from neutral position for the respective retraction of saidmembers from fastening position.

5. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, means for supporting sheet material sensitive to X-rays on saidtable behind said panel, means forming a track, on said frame, at oneside of said table, a pedestal carriage riding upon and adjustable onthe frame longitudinally of the table, an upright support pedestal onsaid pedestal carriage and adjustably turnable thereon about a verticalaxis, means to mount an X-ray source on said pedestal, anchor means forsecuring the pedestal carriage in adjusted position on the track, latchmeans for securing the pedestal in adjustably turned position on thecarriage, said X-ray source being mounted on a source carriagevertically shiftable on said pedestal, and manually operable meanscomprising an operating shaft turnably mounted on said source carriageand movable therewith and having an operating handle, and driving meansincluding a spline shaft drivingly connected with said operating shaftand with said latch and anchor means to actuate the same in response tomanual operation of said handle regardless of the vertical position ofthe source carriage on the pedestal.

6. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, means for supporting sheet material sensitive to X-rays on saidtable behind said panel, means forming a track, on said frame, at oneside of said table, a pedestal carriage riding upon and adjustable onthe frame longitudinally of the table, an upright support pedestal onsaid pedestal carriage and adjustably turnable thereon about a verticalaxis, means to mount an X-ray source on said pedestal, anchor means forsecuring the pedestal carriage in adjusted position on the track, latchmeans for securing the pedestal in adjustably turned position on thecarriage, said X-ray source being mounted on a source carriagevertically shiftable on said pedestal, means to anchor said sourcecarriage in vertically adjusted position on the pedestal, comprising ahollow shaft turnably mounted on the source carriage and adjustable inone direction to anchor and in the other direction to release the sourcecarriage on the pedestal, said hollow shaft having a manually operablehandle at one end, manually operable means comprising an operating shaftturnably mounted on said source carriage within said hollow shaft andhaving operating handle means at and outwardly of the handle carryingend of said hollow shaft, whereby said handle and handle means aredisposed in adjacent relationship for convenient selective one-handedoperation, and driving means including a spline shaft drivinglyconnected with said operating shaft and with said latch and anchor meansto actuate the same in response to manual operation of said handle meansregardless of the vertical position of the source carriage on thepedestal.

'7. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, means for supporting sheet material sensitive to X- rays on saidtable behind said panel, an extensible track structure on said frame, atone side of said table and comprising an elongated frame member securedon and forming a footing for said support frame, an elongated beamsupported on said frame member and adjustable longitudinally thereof, acarriage mounted on said beam for movement longitudinally thereof, andmeans to mount an X-ray source on said carriage in position to directrays toward said table.

8. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, means for supporting sheet material sensitive to X-rays on saidtable behind said panel, an extensible track structure, on said frame,at one side of said table and comprising an elongated frame membersecured on and forming a footing for said support frame, bearing rollersin spaced apart position on said frame member, an elongated beamsupported on said rollers for movement longitudinally of said framemember, said beam forming a trackway longitudinally thereof, a pedestalcarriage mounted on said trackway for movement longitudinally of saidbeam, an upright support pedestal on said pedestal carriage, and meansto mount an X-ray source on said pedestal in position to direct raystoward said table.

9. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, means for supporting sheet material sensitive to X-rays on saidtable behind said panel, an extensible track structure on said frame, atone side of said table and comprising an elongated frame member securedon and forming a footing for said support frame, an elongated beamsupported on said frame member and adjustable longitudinally thereof, acarriage mounted on said beam for movement longitudinally thereof, meansfor maintaining said carriage at all times against movement transverselyof said track structure, comprising track means on said beam extendingthroughout the length thereof, rollers on said frame member holding saidtrack means against movement laterally of the frame member, and rollerson said carriage holding it against lateral movement on the track means,and means to l? mount an X-ray source on said carriage in position todirect rays toward said table.

10. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, means for supporting sheet material sensitive to X-rays on saidtable behind said panel, an extensible track structure on said frame, atone side of said table and comprising an elongated frame member securedon and forming a footing for said support frame, an elongated beamsupported on said frame member and adjustable longitudinally thereof,adjustable support means on the beam at an end thereof for leveling andanchoring the same when in extended position, a carriage mounted on saidbeam for movement longitudinally thereof, and means to mount an X- raysource on said carriage in position to direct rays toward said table.

11. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, means for supporting sheet material sensitive to X-rays on saidtable behind said panel, an extensible track structure on said frame, atone side of said table and comprising an elongated frame member securedon and forming a footing for said support frame, an elongated beamsupported on said frame member and adjustable longitudinally thereof, acarriage mounted on said beam for movement longitudinally thereof, meansto mount an X-ray source on said carriage in position to direct raystoward said table, and manually releasable anchor means on said carriagefor securing the same in longitudinally adjusted position on said beam.

12. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, means for supporting sheet material sensitive to X-rays on saidtable behind said panel, an extensible track structure on said frame, atone side of said table and comprising an elongated frame member securedon and forming a footing for said support frame, an elongated beamsupported on said frame member and adjustable longitudinally thereof, acarriage mounted on said beam for movement longitudinally thereof, anupright support pedestal turnably supported on said carriage, manuallyreleasable latch means on said upright support pedestal for latching thesame against turning movement on said carriage, and

means to mount an X-ray source on said pedestal in position to directrays toward said table.

13. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, means for supporting sheet material sensitive to X-rays on saidtable behind said panel, an extensible track structure on said frame, atone side of said table and comprising an elongated frame member securedon and forming a footing for said support frame, an elongated beamsupported on said frame member and adjustable longitudinally thereof, acarriage mounted on said beam for movement longitudinally thereof, anupright support pedestal turnably supported on said carriage, latchmeans for anchoring the pedestal against turning movement on thecarriage, anchor means for securing the carriage against longitudinalmovement on said beam, and manually operable means on said pedestal andadapted for actuation in one direction from a neutral position torelease said latch means, and in the other direction to release saidanchor means.

14. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, means for supporting sheet material sensitive to X-rays on saidtable behind said panel, means forming a pedestal mount, on said frame,at one side of said table, an upright support pedestal turnablysupported on said mount, anchor means for securing said pedestal inadjustably turned position on said mount, a support carriage verticallyadjustable on said pedestal, fastening means operable to secure saidsupport carriage in adjusted position on said pedestal, a pair ofoperating shafts, one turnable within the other and both turnablysupported on said support carriage,-said shafts being operativelyconnected respectively to actuate said anchor and said fastening means.manually operable means for turning said shafts, and means to mount anX- ray source on said pedestal.

l5. X-ray apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein the inner of saidoperating shafts has a projecting end extending outwardly of an end ofthe outer operating shaft, a bevel gear on said projecting end, a collarforming a bevel gear on the outer operating shaft behind and adjacentthe gear on the inner operating shaft, an enclosing sleeve turnablymounted on the support carriage for rotation about the longitudinal axisof the sleeve in position enclosing said operating shafts and saidgears, an arm on and extending radially of said sleeve opposite saidgears, a pair of driving shafts, one turnable within the other 7 andboth turnably supported on said arm, said driving shafts having bevelgeared connection respectively with said bevel gears on the operatingshafts, at the sleeve connected end of said arm, and having each amanually operable handle at the sleeve remote end of the arm, saidhandles being adjacently disposed, the one behind the other forconvenient selective one-handed operation, and means to latch the sleeveand arm in selectively adjustable angular position with respect to thesupport frame.

16. X-ray apparatus comprising a support frame and a top panel forming atable, means for supporting sheet material sensitive to X-rays on saidtable behind said panel, means forming a pedestal mount, on said frame,at one side of said table, an upright support pedestal on said mount, acarriage vertically adjustable on said pedestal, an adjustable carryingyoke mounted on the carriage for adjustable tilting movement about ahorizontal tilting axis, and a mounting frame supported on said yoke forturning movement, on a horizontal axis lying in a plane normal to saidyoke tilting axis, in position extending outwardly of said'ipedestal,said mounting frame providing a support for a source of X- y rays,whereby said source may be disposed in ad- ARTHUR J. KIZAUR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,599,696 Wantz Sept. 14. 19262,001,004 Wantz May 14, 1935 2,038,327 Wantz Apr. 21, 1936 2,052,956Wantz et a1 Sept. 1, 1936 2,076,246 Nelson Apr. 6, 1937 FOREIGN PATENTSNumber Country Date 522,133 Great Britain June 10. 1940

